The Amex Gold is a standout card if your spending habits revolve around food. You’ll earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and 4x points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per year in purchases. That’s a strong return for categories many people spend heavily in, especially in urban areas. There’s also a 60,000-point welcome offer (after meeting the spend threshold), which definitely adds real upfront value.
Where the card might fall a little short is on everyday spending outside those categories. You’ll only get 1x on most other purchases, and there’s no bonus for travel booked outside of Amex’s portal. The $250 annual fee can also seem steep at first glance, but the dining credits (if you actually use them like I do) can offset a big chunk of that. Still, this isn’t a true “catch-all” card; it probably shines brightest when used strategically for food-related purchases.
Overall, it’s a strong pick for frequent diners and grocery spenders who can make the most of the rewards and perks. If you’re after simplicity or want travel-specific benefits, this might not be your best fit – but for its lane, I think the Gold performs really well.